The OutPost http://blog.outdoorzy.com Outdoor News and Gear Reviews from the Edge Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:19:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 outdoorzyhttp://feedburner.google.com Skurka Goes for Alaska http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/21/skurka-goes-for-alaska/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/21/skurka-goes-for-alaska/#comments Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:19:21 +0000 Wade http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2308 2010-nortnern-trekSaw this on the Mountain World last week and had to rub my eyeballs.  Most of you know who Andrew Skurka is, a great long-distance hiker and record setter. I interviewed Andrew 2 years ago after he finished The Great Western Loop. Andrew is a very gracious guy but always sets his sites on bigger and better things. Now he has his sites set on “The Great Alaskan Yukon Loop”???

“What in the world is that?” you say… Well I think he just made it up. Seriously. According to his site: “The Great Alaskan-Yukon Loop (GAYL) is a 4,500-mile wilderness adventure around the state of Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon that connects many of this region’s most magnificent natural features, including the Alaska Range, Wrangell’s, Lost Coast, Coast Range, Yukon River, Richardson Mountains, and finally the Brooks Range. The GAYL is not an official trail or route; it has never been completed, attempted, and possibly even conceived of until now; it is almost entirely off-trail and it crosses only about 10 roads for its entire length.”

Sounds like an adventure to me! He’s also looking for a new name for it. I suggested “The Northern Lights Loop”. Drop your suggestion on his blog and show him your support. He starts in March next year. Good luck dude!

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/21/skurka-goes-for-alaska/feed/ 0 The Visual Miscellaneum http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/20/the-visual-miscellaneum/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/20/the-visual-miscellaneum/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:38:27 +0000 Emile http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2317 visualinsideIf you are anything like me you like burritos and Kate Beckinsale. But if you are even more like me, you enjoy reading facts and figures and appreciate good design. The Visual Miscellaneum: A Colorful Guide to the World’s Most Consequential Trivia pulls those last two together perfectly.
Every day we are bombarded with facts and statistics that quickly become meaningless sound bites amidst the cacophony of the Information Age. It occurred to David McCandless, an award-winning London-based writer and graphic designer, that the best way to absorb this barrage of random information is by visually “mapping” facts in colorful and quirky ways. Statistics, comparisons, data both essential and entertaining—what better way for a new generation, weaned on the visual, to grasp the complexity of the modern world than through charts, illustrations, and diagrams that get right to the heart of the matter?
Hey they are talking about me…I am that new generation.
The book really is fantastic and beautifully done. You can see many of the “infographs” on David’s blog, informationisbeautiful.net.
One is the “Billion Dollar Gram“, which is a visual representation relating the cost of different billion dollar projects relative to one another. Another great one that David did is a visual representation of how the World see’s the Left and Right side of our government. David’s blog is full of these types of visualizations.
The book is available now on Amazon for under $20. It would be a great Christmas gift.

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/20/the-visual-miscellaneum/feed/ 0 Outdoorbaby.net…for those that love the outdoors and babies. http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/19/outdoorbaby-net-for-those-that-love-the-outdoors-and-babies/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/19/outdoorbaby-net-for-those-that-love-the-outdoors-and-babies/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:56:22 +0000 Emile http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2291 outdoorbabyinsideWe here at Outdoorzy don’t have any children to drag with us through the woods or push in strollers as we run 5ks. Personally I think kids are good for the same thing I was good for when I was growing up, manual labor. However we appreciate that many of you out there do have children and want to spend some good clean outdoor fun with them. If this is the case for you, you may want to check out Outdoorbaby.net. This site contains stories, tips, and tricks for those doing a little outdoor adventuring with the whole family. Check’ em out.

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/19/outdoorbaby-net-for-those-that-love-the-outdoors-and-babies/feed/ 0 Two kite surfers jump over pier http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/17/two-kite-surfers-jump-over-pier/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/17/two-kite-surfers-jump-over-pier/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:43:34 +0000 Emile http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2281 insidejump

Balls…of…steel.

Two kite surfers from West Sussex took advantage of strong winds on the south coast to realise an ambition to jump over Worthing pier.
Jake Scrace, 25, and Lewis Crathern, 24, had been planning Monday morning’s jump for three years but had to wait for perfect weather conditions.
They took off from Goring to the west of Worthing in gusts of wind that were more than 40mph.
Mr Scrace described the build up to the jump as “terrifying”.

story and image via BBC News

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/17/two-kite-surfers-jump-over-pier/feed/ 1 Chaco Sandle Spa http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/13/chaco-sandle-spa/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/13/chaco-sandle-spa/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:50:49 +0000 Emile http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2273 chacoinsideWe all love a good pair of sandals, but nothing is worse then when those beloved key piece of outdoor gear start to get worn out. Well Chaco customers have just got a brand new lease on life for their prized foot coverings.

“Chaco’s repair/warranty program replaces outsoles and webbing straps that wear with the extended use that Chaco fans are known to give their sandals, both on the water and on the town. Chaco provides resoling and rewebbing (plus a number of other adjustment and repair services) for all of its sandals, for as long as the owner has them. This is a key reason that so many people are Chaco fanatics (ask one!)

Chaco replaces buckles, shortens and lengthens straps and heel leashes and adjusts heel risers, and performs all repair services in a turnaround time of approximately five days.”

for more info check out Chaco’s website.

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/13/chaco-sandle-spa/feed/ 2 The Darwin Experience http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/12/the-darwin-experience/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/12/the-darwin-experience/#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:53 +0000 Emile http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2258 darwinInside2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth (1809) and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his On the Origin of Species (1859). To celebrate, National Geographic has published THE DARWIN EXPERIENCE: The Story of the Man and His Theory of Evolution.

The book is a large hardback edition and is slipcased and every effort is made to take the reader through the life of Darwin and his scientific discoveries. It is a perfect combination of science, travel, culture and history. Another great feature of the book is some of the removable facsimile documents that are included. These pieces of memorabilia include letters (in Darwin’s own hand), maps, sketches, newspaper articles and many more. The final piece of facsimile documents are an admission card to Darwin’s funeral and a program from his ceremony.

The Darwin Experience can be thought of as just as much a piece of art as a story of his life. The illustrations, images, and layout of the book are fantastic. This would be the perfect gift for any professional or amateur biologist or history buff.  If you have any interest at all in the life of Charles Darwin this is an investment worth making.  The book is available now (anywhere from $50 – $34) wherever books are sold.

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/12/the-darwin-experience/feed/ 0 What Tree Is That? http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/10/what-tree-is-that/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/10/what-tree-is-that/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:49:21 +0000 Wade http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2250 what-tree-is-thatMy Pappaw worked in the logging industry in the hills of western Kentucky. After he retired he took a daily walk with his dog, Boomer. When I stayed overnight with him the three of us would walk a few miles to the local grocery and get ice cream. On those walks I focused on the ice cream mostly and took the free education I was getting for granted. When I look back now I see a missed opportunity. I wish I could have absorbed more of his knowledge on those walks and taken it with me through life.  One of the subjects my Pappaw was an expert on, of course, was trees.  He could name any tree we passed on those walks without a second thought.

Well Pappaw is gone, but I still find myself gazing up into the canopy on a nice day, wondering what all those trees are called. Last week I got the What Tree Is That? book from The Arbor Day Foundation. This 164 page tree identification guide is a great way to get to know your North American oxygen makers. With dimensions of 8.5 x 4.0 x .5 inches, the guide is easy to slip into a cargo pant pocket or a backpack. It weighs next to nothing and can be a fun way to spend time around camp and actually learn something in the process.

What Tree Is That uses a process-of-elimination method to help the reader determine what kind of tree they are identifying. By narrowing down if it’s a conifer or deciduous, leaf shape, and the type of fruit or nut it bears I found it easy to identify trees in my yard at home. I have a slew of hickory trees… thus the insatiable squirrel population I have scampering around this time of year. My only disappointment with the book was the lack of bark and full specimen illustrations or photos. The leaf and nut photos were fantastic and easy to use. But in moderate to cold climates many trees don’t have fruit, nuts, or leaves in the winter. Which means the book is difficult to use during the colder months. I’m sure these illustrations were left out to keep the book small, which does make it easy to transport.

Bottom Line: This tree guide is easy to use, and reasonably priced at $14.95. If you buy in bulk you can get it much cheaper. The Arbor Day Foundation puts the book out so you know all your dollars aren’t going into the pocket of a publishing company. I recommend it and can’t wait to identify a few of those trees that have been on my mind for quite some time. Now if someone will just come out with a book that tells which wood is good for burning, I’ll be ready to make some s’mores.

  • 164 page guidebook
  • Step-by-Step Approach
  • Full color botanical illustrations
  • Identify 250 common trees in North America
  • Water resistant cover

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/10/what-tree-is-that/feed/ 0 Baja Kayaking – Isla Espiritu Santo http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/09/baja-kayaking-isla-espiritu-santo/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/09/baja-kayaking-isla-espiritu-santo/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:53:39 +0000 Wade http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2196 espiritu-santo-mapThe word “Baja” means different things to different people. For some it mean’s fast off-road racing through the desert, for others it means tequila and Cabo San Lucas, and for some it just means… that area past Tijuana. But between the mainland of Mexico and the Baja peninsula lies one of the most biologically diverse bodies of water on our planet, the Sea of Cortez.

With giant manta rays, sea lions, dolphins, a plethora of whales, and more species of fish than Cousteau imagined, the Sea of Cortez is packed with life. I took a guided trip through Boundless Journeys recently to the Island of Espiritu Santo. If you’re unfamiliar with Boundless Journeys, they were recently rated one of the world’s best adventure tour companies by National Geographic Adventure, and for good reason. This 7 day Baja Kayaking trip was a fantastic way to experience the sea life, local culture, and get some serious reflection time in on the beach.

“But I’ve never kayaked!” you say.  No worries. The local guides are excellent. Our guide, Miguel, has years of experience paddling the waters around Espiritu Santo and stuck close to his newbie paddlers. An intro to basic kayaking style first afternoon will give you excellent instruction on wet exit, re-entry, and basic paddle strokes.

sunset-ponga

The sun sets on another day of kayaking and our support vehicle "the panga"

And the food… oh the food. Ceviche anyone? What about fresh homemade tortillas? Happy hour more your style? They have one of those every night of the week with freshly mixed margaritas, pina coladas, or local beers. The preperation of the food was always timely and everything was made right there in the cooking tent. Watching the sunset on the beach while eating cilantro seasoned shrimp that were pulled from the ocean hours before has no match.

Setting up base camp in a tranquil turquoise bay makes for an excellent launching point for each days adventures. Those adventures can be as strenuous or as mild as you make them whether you are kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, fishing for snapper, or taking a siesta. At one point on the trip we took the panga boat (always available for transport or emergency) to the north coast of the island. Here we snorkeled with sea lions and a variety of beautiful damselfish and king angelfish. The adolescent sea lions are friendly and curious creatures. Speeding at your snorkeling mask and then turning at the last moment your heart will race with excitement.

What does a trip of a lifetime cost? Glad you asked, $1,895 per person is the land price. This includes all food, drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, tent, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, hot solar showers on the beach, portable toilet, panga transport to and from the island, airport transfers, and expert guides, cooks, and boat captains. Oh yeah, and the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see.

Logistics

Fly into La Paz, the port city in the bay near the island. There are connections through Mexico City or Guadalajara every day. Bring loads of sunscreen. Remember this is a desert climate. Fall and Winter are the best times of the year to visit without rain and baking heat. Your guide will be fluent in English, and the shops in La Paz operate on Spanglish, so brushing up on your basic phrases should  be enough.

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/09/baja-kayaking-isla-espiritu-santo/feed/ 1 New Bike Design is Missing Chain…Comfort? http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/06/new-bike-design-is-missing-chain-comfort/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/06/new-bike-design-is-missing-chain-comfort/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:48:52 +0000 Emile http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2239 newbikeinsideThis new bike design from Jruiter Studios lacks a chain and probably a lot of comfort. It looks like you are sitting on a plank and pedal behind your body.
“Our project, simplicity in inner city bicycling, was at first glance a fun aesthetic opportunity in new trends, color, and materials. Our target lived / worked in an inner city environment with minimal space. Bicycling at this level can be more about fashion and culture than speed and performance.”
via geekologie

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]]> http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/06/new-bike-design-is-missing-chain-comfort/feed/ 1 Tripbase.com Travel Upgrade Guide http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/05/upgrade-guide/ http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2009/11/05/upgrade-guide/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:41:09 +0000 Emile http://blog.outdoorzy.com/?p=2231 Hotelreception2Tripbase.com shared with us their Ultimate Flight and Hotel Upgrade Guide, and it is worth a gander, especially if you like to try and get some perks while traveling without paying the moolah.

For flights:

  • Check-in early/late.
  • Use your title (Dr, Prof, anything VIP-ish).
  • Ask. This is perhaps the most important thing to do and in reality, perhaps the only method that will elicit some sort of beneficial response. Sometimes you can pay for an upgrade; sometimes (if you’re worthy) you can get put on an upgrade list. Very rarely will you ever get offered one out of the blue and for free.
  • Mention any special reasons for travelling.
  • Pay full price.
  • Be charming, polite, calm and flexible (same goes for hotels).

For hotels:

  • Be loyal (the same could be said for airlines, joining any loyalty schemes is a good way to get a foot in the door).
  • Book during conferences.
  • Pay full price.
  • Don’t be fussy. Too many demands will earn you the ire of hotel employees.
  • Stay short term.
  • Know the hotel.
  • Ask. Asking never hurt anyone. Maybe.

Be sure to check out their full guide for detailed explanations of their guide.

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